Iranians rally to mark anniversary of U.S. embassy seizure

Tens of thousands of Iranians held nationwide demonstrations on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.

Since the 1979 takeover of the U.S. mission by Iranian students, Iranians have been celebrating the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary and marking it as the "National Day against the Global Arrogance."

The occasion this year attracted the attention of foreign media as it followed the implementation of a deal clinched between Iran and world powers to solve the decade-long Iranian nuclear issue.

On Thursday, demonstrators gathered outside the former U.S. embassy in central Tehran, now called "den of espionage," carrying placards denouncing the "arrogant powers" and shouting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.

In 2013, the election of Hassan Rouhani as the Iranian president signalled the thaw of relations with the United States, but observers say hardliners in Iran are pushing to heighten anti-U.S. sentiments by insisting on the slogan of "Death to America" at different gatherings, criticizing Rouhani for reaching out to Washington and the West in general to solve the country's nuclear issue and economic problems.

On Wednesday, Iran's top leader ruled out the possibility of restoring ties with the United states, saying that compromise and negotiations with Washington will not solve regional and domestic problems of Iran.

The U.S. embassy was stormed by Iranian students on Nov. 4, 1979, and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The U.S. broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and their ties have remained severed ever since. Endit